Flying with my 4 year old.

[Minnesota!]

Do I need to bring a car seat on the plane for him or can he sit in the seat by himself? The only seat we have (in the car) is a high back booster...and I believe those are a no go on planes. He's a big kid, if that helps. Turned 4 on Sunday and is about 44 inches and 45 #...

Thanks!

 

[deedeetoo]

We stopped using car seats on planes when our kids were two. There really wasn't enough room for their legs after putting the seat in and they ended up kicking the seat in front of us accidently. We never tried with a booster so I don't know if that would fit better.

When we have traveled and rented a car, I've actually put the booster in a checked bag and got it out once we got to our destination. Of course this was before today's baggage restrictions.

 

[_queenie_]

No worry, carseats are not required and boosters are not allowed as they will not fit. You'll be fine having him just sit in the seat, most kids do anyway, especially at 4. I've only brought a carseat once, it was when my DD was a baby, and it was a PITA to lug around.

 

[fun4disney]

Do you have to, no.....is it the safest way, yes. My son used a car seat until he was in the booster seat beacuse those aren't allowed on the plane, like you said. Would I go out and buy a car seat to use on the plane....no. but consider your mode of transportation once you arrive in orlando. if your using the magical express, i wouldn't even bother bringing it. if you are renting a car, i would bring it. have a good trip!

 

[Jakesmom504]

I just posted this about 2 weeks ago since DS is 4 also and it's his first time flying. Most of the posters responded with a no, it's not neccessary because of his age. I contemplated it for awhile and decided that since we are not using a rental car I wasn't going to bring his car seat for the plane. He is still in the baby car seat not a booster (hasn't hit the 40 lb mark yet ) so I think it would be more of a hassle to lug that huge thing around just for the plane ride. If we were going to be renting a car I would definitely bring it though.

 

[jasta]

You can buy the CARES system for your toddler to use on the plane. I use it for my 3 year old and it works great. It connects to the planes seatbelt, but secures your toddler better. It is pricey - about $75 when I bought it, but we use it every trip. I know a couple people rent them out on ebay for like $15.